To all our gymnasts, coaches, judges, medics, delegation members, reporters, gymparents and gymfans for a wonderful 2011 World Championships campaign for Australia. I'm sure a lot of valuable experiences will be taken away from it.
A+ 100% double mad props to young Jack, for making this groovy gif!
May everybody have a safe journey home and a restful sleep (that includes AGB nightowls!) after a nutty week of gymnastics action! Watch out London, we're coming for you!
ARGH! The gif is great... for a couple of seconds but it is driving me insane now!
ReplyDeleteSorry 'bout that.
ReplyDeleteI have edited the post to make it a link.
Thanks :-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful????...hmmmm..that all depends on what success is measured by???? Our athletes competing the best that they can ...possibly, but has Australian Gymnastics really achieved anything in terms advancing world rankings?????? Seems to me we may just be slipping backwards...
ReplyDeleteWhy oh why do these trolls exist?
ReplyDeleteThe girls did a great job and the aim was to qualify for London.
This was achieved!
Great work girls
There's one (or a few) in every pack.
ReplyDeleteThe nominative list for Stuttgart is out and Lauren still isn't on it. I'm not sure if she'll compete, she might be fined for late regristation if she does end up going. Ostrava has both MAG and 4 WAG being sent from Australia.
ReplyDeleteLauren probably needs time to rehab the ankles that were injured prior to worlds and heavily strapped for the duration. Stuttgart isn't that important, send some of the young gymnasts who need more experience and consistancy.
ReplyDelete.....you know what I don't get?
ReplyDeleteIt's ok to criticize new recruits on a footy team when they miss a kick.
It reaches national news when a cricketer drops a ball
It's a right of passage to bad mouth opposing teams when sitting in a crowd
If Ian Thorpe had stuffed up his swimming technique by accident seconds before the end of a race, spectators would be outraged
....... But it's not ok to criticize gymnasts when they make a blunder?
If we all want more recognition and coverage of our sport, then they gymnasts ARE going to be up for more criticism! Aussies love to cheer success and criticize failure- it's what we do!
Yes gymnasts are young- but we are not the only sport that young athletes participate in......and everyone believes their sport is the hardest in the world.
Just a thought
But this sport actually IS the hardest sport in the world. Everyone can kick a football or run around a track - they might suck, but they can still do it. But if you went out and made every single person you knew try and do any of the skills in any gymnast's routine, they wouldn't be able to do it! So anons, you go out there and do what they are doing at an international level so we can put YOU down. Just to see how you like it.
ReplyDeletewhy is it that all arguments here turn personal?
ReplyDeleteeveryone believes their sport is difficult. there is a lot more to footy than kicking a football.
and gymnastics IS for everyone. not just elite gymnasts.
Well, I personally don't bad mouth opposing teams when I want my team to win. Nor would I think it okay for my friends to do so. It's poor sportsmanship.
ReplyDeleteI think it really IS a significant point that these girls are YOUNG. While coaches and parents do their best to instill resilience into them they are still not fully mature. Some girls training IDP 10 are still in primary school.
ReplyDeleteThey spend 6 days a week being corrected, conditioned, encouraged and drilled ... self-confidence and self-esteem play an important role in each gymnasts development and they come easier to some than others... sometimes you just have to be a bit careful in what you say...
Yes, all of these gymnasts are someone's daughter/son, friend, neighbour, etc. But they chose a sport that puts them on the world stage and they will be judged (regardless of age). Whether the gymnasts do well or not so well, people should feel comfortable expressing their opinion. An opinion on a performance is just that - an opinion on 2-3 minutes of their gymnastics career. Part of being a gymnast is being able to take the good with the bad and keeping it in context. These girls know when they do good or not so good and they don't need to read a blog to know this.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
ReplyDeleteIt's one thing to talk trash, another completely to criticize a performance.
If the Gymnastics is to gain greater media attention, then it will undoubtably mean greater and louder comments, both good and bad.
it's only an opinion that gymnastics is the hardest sport in the world.
ReplyDeleteWhat about a triathlete?
Marathon runner?
Tour de France cyclist
Arial skier (yes, a foundation in gym makes it easier)
The list goes on
To be elite in any sport takes massive hours, massive dedication and massive commitment.
If we dismiss other sports, how can we expect others to respect ours?
But when you get down to the technical elements, gymnastics is the hardest. Triathlons or marathons are most certainly difficult, and I applaud those because it is very hard, but the basic technique is simple.
ReplyDeleteYou ride a bike, or you run. Gymnastics in terms of technical elements is much more difficult than running, riding or swimming.
Also someone said in the other comments, and I completely agree, that cricketers, football players can be criticized because they are being paid to go out and play.
Gymnasts, not only don't get paid, but they actually pay very large amounts to compete. So if they were getting paid, I could understand if when they had a rough competition that they are going to be criticized - because be honest, if you are at work and do a job badly, people aren't going to be nice about it are they?
But when the gymnasts are doing this simply because they love it then who are you to comment on their performances - what are you gaining from it?
On a different note - I've been watching some videos on youtube of worlds. I think it's good the way there are some more interesting bar routines coming out eg. the gymnasts seem to start in dofferent spots to grasp the bar (as opposed to standing infront of the low bar and using a kip to mount). Aside from the Americans I honestly don't think the standard is that high.....I really think Larissa could upgrade and match some of those girls' bar routines. Also, beam I didn't think the standard was that far from australia's standard. Than goodness for Lauren though!!
ReplyDeleteAmericans best on bars, didn't Russia outscore the US on bars?
ReplyDeleteThe Americans really aren't a high benchmark on bars these days... they're struggling to put up top-to-bottom strong line-ups like they used to. They have maybe 2 or 3 top bar workers, and the rest aren't doing anything too special. It's probably a major part of the reason why Nastia Liukin has announced a comeback less than a year out of the Olympics- there's a gap to fill there, and that spot is hers if she can get back the difficulty.
ReplyDeleteRussia and China and Beth Tweddle's flat in Liverpool are where it's at for uneven bars these days.
The Americans really aren't that great on UB anymore. Russia next year will have Mustafina, Komova and Grishina who are all capable of making UB finals. China will always have girls to swing bars for them and Japan are deep on bars too.
ReplyDeleteFor about 10 years the US and Australia actually had similar strenghts and weaknesses, albeit on a different scale. Bars was Australia's strongest event until about 2007 when beam took over. The US has had multiple world medalists on bars the past 10 years or so but recently their bars have diminished while their vault line up, which had always been the weakest event for both teams, has become amazingly deep. They are easily the best vault team out there.
Yes, I agree with the comments. When I said 'aside from the americans' I didn't necessarily mean on bars - I just meant overall. My wording was clumsy. The Aamericans are pretty awesome on vault aren't they?? I remember Peggy saying in about '97 that she wanted to strengthen our vaulting as we had a big 'hole' there. I don't think we have improved that mmuch though. It is still probably our weakest event I would think??
ReplyDeleteVault is Australias weakest, maybe we don't have any good vault coaches... We do have girls that I think are capable to do well in this event... Peggy needs to look into why we are weak, then find a solution
ReplyDeleteFor prelims I would say vault is the weakest as this year they counted two FTY and a FTT. In team finals vault isnt't as bad seeing as 2/3 of the of vt line up consist of decent albeit not spectacular DTYs. As good a gymnast as she is we shouldn't really have to have Lauren as our number 2 bars girl in TFs when she's not cracking 14 on a regular basis internationally. Beam is Australia's best event at the moment. I thought Ashleigh and Mary-Ann were scored harshly in terms of execution in comparison to a lot of the other girls out there.
ReplyDeleteTierra has an awesome vault so perhaps she can be taken as a vault specialist if she has two? Im not sure if she does two..
ReplyDeleteBut i think our difficulty is slowly getting towards the rest of the world
It is just frustrating that we still stuffer as many injuries when playing it safe
On a side note, I was watching Wieber's floor and listening to her music then comparing it to Lauren's, It is more exciting and is choreographed for a champion (especially her ending, like khorkina). I just wish Lauren got to pick her own music and someone else could have choreographed it. The level 8's at my gym have better choregraphed routines.
Sorry for the rant, just something that crossed my mind.
As soon as your level 8s have a 6.5 D-score on the FIG code, then we will start talking about comparisons. Lauren did select her own music. You people need to get a grip on the reality of international gymnastics if you are going to comment on it.
ReplyDeletealso......who died and put you in charge of what is good chorography?
ReplyDeletechoreography i meant.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 10.41 am. This is a discussion board, people are entitled to their opinions. Why must they be shot down in flames for expressing their views? Just accept that we are all different. Give a valid argument back in reply but don't assume we all MUST think the way you do, it's undemocratic.
ReplyDeleteI agree in principle to Anon 10.41. People often criticise gymnastic choreo, particularly those from dance backgrounds. It is very hard to put clever dance moves into a one and a half minute international level routine without compromising skill quality. People don't realise how much those tumbling passes take out of them. They're not just flip saults that they're doing. The gymnasts would love to put more dance in, but it's just not worth it.
ReplyDeleteAnon at 10.41.. I read an article that Lauren didn't really like the music when it was first played to her but it grew on her. That would suggest that she DIDN'T choose it but I don't know her personally so I'm not an authority on this. I can't imagine Peggy allowing her that choice though
ReplyDeleteIn saying that I actually LIKE the music and the choreo.. and I'm not usually a fan of Pop's work.
Exactly, watch the interview and she says "when Peggy sent it to me"
ReplyDeleteI'm not from a dance background just doing and watching lots og gymnastics. The skills are very hard and tiring but her choreography now doesnt flow like her old routine, its very stop start and poses but Lauren being awesome can pull it off and make it awesome
Awkward... Lauren has a 6.3 start value and is the highest in the world at the moment
ReplyDeleteHer old routine had a lot of time to become really polished. When she won the gold at worlds she had competed it many times prior to that. The new routine isn't as polished as yet. I have to admit it isn't my favourite floor routine ever....but it's a very good effort at being different and trying to be innovative without compromising tooo much.
ReplyDeleteDo you think original international floor music grows on trees? Peggy was doing her job by sending Lauren music to listen to, as I am sure she does for all national team members. Peggy must have had some feeling that it was the right choice or she would not have presented it. The international judges must have liked it, as Lauren had the best floor score in team finals and all around finals, she just had a blip in apparatus finals or would have been a legitimate chance for a medal. Give Peggy some credit, you may not like her, but she does know what she is doing. It is not easy keeping up with the constant changes of the code of points and she is trying to do the right thing by introducing original music choices and choreography, not cookie cutter robot routines. Let the girls do the gymnastics and let us just enjoy the efforts.
ReplyDeletePeggy chose the music but I'm sure if Lauren did have a really adverse reaction to it they might have changed it. As I understand it at first she didn't like it but then when Peggy explained that they should go for something a little different to stand out more she saw the merit in the music choice. Considering how well recieved it was by the judges it's hard to argue with that.
ReplyDeleteLauren is attempting a 6.5 floor routine but she should never get the Gogean credited so it's really a 6.4. She only received a 6.3 at these worlds because she came up short on her triple wolf in the AA and in EF she didn't leap out of her full in.
Excuse my ignorance but what is a gogean? I remember the gymnast, but I don't know the skill. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteA Gogean is a split leap with a one and a half turn. Now that you need to count 3 dance elements on floor a lot of girls are trying it, though nearly everyone misses getting it around. It's a D rated element.
ReplyDeletea TOTAL blast from the past!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/sport/general/wingham-gymnasts-olympic-ambition/2339151.aspx
Happy one though...!
Mez, are you able to tell us about any gymnasts who will be new seniors next year? Thanks. :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, very interesting about Amelia James' comeback! She and MAM hit the scene around the same time, so I wonder if MAM's story has helped inspire her?
ReplyDeleteI wonder if she can still do that perfect knees-together double front on floor?
If she's serious she would get thee to a high performance gym with serious coaches STAT. You cannot make a national squad coming from Taree PCYC. Sounds cruel but its true...
ReplyDeleteNot all elite gymnasts at HP centres!
ReplyDeleteI just listened to an interview with Lauren Mitchell that was done during the world championships (ABC radio). She spoke well and represented gymnastics well. Great to see many more gymnasts, not just competing, but doing well in international competitions as an older age. So glad the whole 'retire at 16/17 is finished with (80s, 90s).
ReplyDelete"Not all elite gymnasts at HP centres!"
ReplyDeleteNo- but those vying for London selection are. And I'm not talking that she is required to be at a State Institute/Academy I'm saying she needs an elite, high performance coach if she is serious about London/National Team. I hae never heard of the coach mentioned and Taree has no existing elite program which would indicate they are primarily a levels/recreational based gym.
Though I'm not sure that the article is indicating that the is really pushing for London as it does contain inaccuracies such as "5th in the world before her retirement". It may be a 'local star' type article, which is cool too, life long participation is just as important for life as elite comebacks.
Anyone know who's going to national clubs?? Doesn't look like many qld'ers are going.
ReplyDeleteAnyone know the difference in value betweek and double tuck arabian or a single layout arabian with a full twist?
ReplyDeletesingle layout arabian full twist? wouldn't that be a back one and a half twist?double arabian is a E, back one and a half is a C.. i think, if that's what you're even talking about!
ReplyDeleteI heard Aimee Warnock has moved from Woden Valley to Melbourne to pursue her elite career. Anyone know what club she is at down here? A terrific move on her part, she is a beautiful gymnast and I would hate to see her potential wasted in a non-elite stream.
ReplyDeleteHPC
ReplyDeletethey are really going to need to look at getting some more coaches in surely?
ReplyDeleteNext year they will have 10 seniors vying for the Olympic team and Eade, Munteanu, Warnock, Leydin and Flood as juniors. How are Mischa and Tracey supposed to handle all those girls?
They really need to split the top squad into 2 and have Nadia and a new coach take the reigns there.
ha! you're right! that's crazy!
ReplyDeleteBrennan
Brown
Wheeler
Monckton
Greeley
Exum
Lorenzin
Sanders
Hingston
Boucher
-----
Flood
Munteanu
Warnock
Eade
Leydin
there's going to be some mad competitive energy there I'd say!
Wow, they definitely need more coaches.... 2/15 that's crazy. You can't expect to produce champions with that ratio. gymnasts won't get the time or coaching needed....The girls must be feeling the pressure!,,,
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure Munteanu is coached by Nadia/Tatiana/Max. They will probably keep her there. Still 14/2 is crazy. I don't know how they will demote the current juniors who have been coached thus far by M/T back to N/M/T.
ReplyDeleteTo have netted Monckton/Brown/Wheeler/Warnock in a couple of years is quite a coup but they really need to make sure the girls aren't going to be disadvantaged as it grows bigger and bigger.
I agree. They need to do something or some girls may look elsewhere. They might want to loose a few but there are some I am sure who they won't want to loose.
ReplyDeleteIt is not as if that is the only elite club in Victoria and they are all very close together travel wise.
It is a lot when you consider what the other HPC have. Not sure what Queensland have but WAIS have 4 Seniors and maybe only 1 Junior next year? Know where I would rather be.
ReplyDeleteWith all those girls they can surely afford some more coaches... or what else are they doing with all that money, its not value for money there at the moment.
ReplyDeleteWAIS also have been the winning coaching Team, being able to devote more time to less Seniors obviously pays.
ReplyDeleteHPC will do what they always do when they want to make room for someone. They will gradually put pressure on others to retire from elite. It's their pattern - one star or potential star in, and one expendable out within 3 months.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe that is their pattern given how many girls they have training who have contributed very little to the national program recently if ever. A much more common approach is just a lack of focus particularly on injured but also on the "less talented". These girls have pretty much always had less focus and I can see how the arrival of a new squad member who is regularly making teams might have them decide to retire. This is not the same thing as coaches pressuring them to retire. No program is going to force out gymnasts who have a chance at making a national team in the future.
ReplyDeleteWho left within 3 months of Brown, monkton or wheeler arriving?
ReplyDeleteJust because it is Misha and Tracys squad does not mean that the HPC does not utilize other coaches. They have Lisa for dance and melic coaches there part time too
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time believing that after all the time, energy and tears invested in each elite at the VWHPC by their coaches and support staff that they would then be strategically thinking about who they could drive away when a better option came along.
ReplyDeleteif the girls were unhappy with the lack of attention they are receiving they can move gyms....no one is forcing them to stay and its there decision. Since no one has moved from there recently they are obviously fine with the situation
ReplyDeleteYou can believe it.
ReplyDeleteThere isn't much choice in gyms. Hpc give the school and bus option I think which is a big plus... As for all gymnasts happy I don't think so.
ReplyDeleteanon 10.22 you would know?
ReplyDeleteIf the other two gyms waverly & MLC provided a bus service to the chosen Melbourne schools that the girls attend, then I believe the HPC would definetly lose a lot of girls. (what a great idea). Concidering the parents are paying for this service.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it would be too hard for MLC and Waverley to offer a bus service. Since these gyms are a bit light on with seniors at the moment they might just offer the service.
ReplyDeleteHPC need to be careful because they might just loose some girls that they don't want to loose.
I think they are a bit arrogant at the moment thinking that no one will move.
Bring it on..I can honestly say this is what's holding back parents who work.
ReplyDeleteI also think that MLC and Waverley don't do as many hours... and give the girls a bit more time off.
ReplyDeleteI agree if these clubs offered a bus service HPC would lose a lot of girls, they have less numbers so be coach ratio.
If it is only about transport then why would Georgia have left mlc? Isn't that where she also goes to school?
ReplyDeleteMLC doesn't need to provide a bus service, they are on the school campus!!
ReplyDeletemaybe the girls don't want to change schools, just gyms
ReplyDeleteAmelia's got the double front on floor back, still seeking more consistency (so not perfect form yet), but it can only get better!
ReplyDeleteThank You
ReplyDeleteGreat to know, AK, thank you! I love Amelia's gymn.
ReplyDelete:)
Holy crap wow! I'm Jack (fofessional from tumblr) and I was so shocked that you liked my gif! Thank you so much for that recognition :D
ReplyDeleteWhy oh why do these trolls exist?
ReplyDeleteThe girls did a great job and the aim was to qualify for London.
This was achieved!
Liverpool Gym